Phelps Hospital has been certified as an Advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, earning the organization’s Gold Seal of Approval®. This national designation – by the oldest and largest healthcare accreditor in the U.S. – is provided in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA). Combined with the hospital’s recent Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke quality achievement award, also from the AHA, this certification ensures stroke patients at Phelps receive the highest level of quality care.

What is a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center?

The thrombectomy-capable stroke center certification is awarded by The Joint Comission to hospitals performing endovascular thrombectomy procedures and post-procedural care. 

Phelps Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review earlier this year from the Commission. As an advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, the hospital is unique in that it can treat the most debilitating, also the most common, type of stroke — ischemic — with mechanical stroke thrombectomy, an intricate procedure that aims to mechanically remove blood clots from brain vessels and restore normal blood flow. Phelps has a dedicated neurological Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staffed with critical care specialists on-call 24/7 to care for all stroke patients. They play an essential role in stabilizing the patient and preventing further medical complications during the initial hospitalization.

“This was truly a team effort with everyone invested in providing the best care to all stroke patients at Phelps Hospital,” said Ramandeep Sahni, MD, stroke director at Phelps and regional director of stroke ambulatory services for Northwell’s Westchester County practices. “If we suspect a stroke, within minutes patients undergo a full assessment by world-class neurologists, neurosurgeons, emergency physicians, radiologists, and other specialists. Our goal is to ensure those in our community, our neighbors, can experience longer, healthier lives.” 

The certification helps healthcare organizations establish a consistent approach to care, better organize teams, provides a framework to improve patient outcomes, strengthens community confidence in the quality and safety of care, treatment and services, according to The Joint Commission website. 

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the No. 5 cause of death in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs causing brain cells to die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

“The Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center certification awarded to Phelps Hospital recognizes healthcare organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” said Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Phelps Hospital for reducing variation in its clinical processes and strengthening its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”

Removing barriers to stroke treatment

To ensure excellence in stroke care, Phelps proactively formed a Stroke Steering Committee that meets weekly with key neurology experts and hospital clinical leaders, all of whom are involved in the care of stroke patients. Collectively, they review cases on a weekly basis identifying areas of improvement and removing barriers to treatment. 

“Our neurosurgical team here at Phelps and throughout our Westchester facilities are highly skilled and experienced,” said David Gordon, MD, chair of Northwell Neurosurgery Westchester. “Everyone on this team has worked extremely hard to achieve this designation. It is critical to have a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center close to home in the Hudson Valley that can alleviate the most disabling stroke. It offers stroke patients the best chance in reducing long-term disability. I’m proud of the level of care that our team can provide our community.”

Earlier this year, Phelps Hospitals also received the AHA’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-busting medication alteplase. In addition, Phelps Hospital received the AHA’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award by meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke.